Panthers Agree To Entry-Level Contracts With G Michael Houser And D Josh McFadden

Florida Panthers Executive Vice President & General Manager Dale Tallon announced today that the club has agreed to entry-level contracts with G Michael Houser and D Josh McFadden.

“Michael and Josh competed very hard at our development camp last week and both players demonstrated that they deserved contracts with our club,” said Tallon. “We look forward to watching both players grow and develop within our organization.”

Goaltender Michael Houser (Credit: Claus Andersen, London Knights)

Houser, 19, won the Red Tilson Trophy as the most outstanding player in the Ontario Hockey League recording a 46-15-1 mark, while playing for London last season. He also was the first American-born player and first player from London to be named the Canadian Hockey League's top goaltender. The Wexford, Pa. native posted a 2.47 goals-against average, had six shutouts, with a .925 save percentage.

Houser played in a Canadian Hockey League-high 3,698 minutes last season, while tying the OHL record for wins in a season with 46. He helped London win the OHL title and advance to the Memorial Cup championship game. He was No. 16 in NHL Central Scouting's final ranking of North American goalies for the 2012 NHL Draft, but went unselected.

Defenseman Josh McFadden (Credit: Aaron Bell, OHL Images)

McFadden, 21, has spent the last three years playing for the Sudbury Wolves (OHL). Last season, he led team blueliners with 41 points, including 15 goals in 47 games played. During the 2010-2011 campaign, the Guelph, Ont. native recorded a career best 19 goals with 53 assists, while pacing the Wolves with 72 points.

The 6-foot-1, 210-pound defenseman also served as team captain for Sudbury during the 2011-2012 season.

The Panthers are set to open the 2012-13 season Oct. 13 against the Tampa Bay Lightning and will raise a Southeast Division Championship banner in a pre-game ceremony. Select lower-bowl season tickets are available for as low as $30 now by calling 954-835-PUCK or clicking to FloridaPanthers.com and single-game tickets will be on sale later this summer.

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